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tradescantia indoor plant

The tradescantia indoor plant is a standout choice for anyone looking to add vibrant colour, texture, and easy-care greenery to their home or office. Known for their cascading foliage, striking variegated leaves, and adaptability to indoor environments, tradescantia plants (also called wandering Jew or inch plants) offer an effortless way to green up shelves, hang in baskets, or trail from planters. Robust and fast-growing, tradescantia species are especially popular among both beginners and seasoned plant lovers throughout New Zealand. This guide covers the best tradescantia varieties for indoor growing, care tips, and advice on how to incorporate these versatile beauties into your space.

Tradescantia pallida purpurea growing from a pot with trailing purple foliage.

Tradescantia pallida

Tradescantia pallida is a striking foliage plant valued for its rich purple trailing stems and narrow pointed leaves. This hardy and fast growing plant performs very well in New Zealand as a groundcover, container plant, or indoor feature. It is ideal for gardeners wanting bold colour with minimal maintenance. Tradescantia pallida adds contrast, texture, and year round interest to borders, hanging baskets, patios, and interior spaces.

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 30 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Garden uses: Borders, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Tropical
Tradescantia blossfeldiana plant with pink, white, and green variegated foliage.

Tradescantia blossfeldiana

Tradescantia blossfeldiana is an attractive trailing foliage plant valued for its soft green leaves with rich purple undersides and vigorous growth habit. This adaptable plant performs very well in New Zealand as an indoor plant, container feature, or groundcover in warm sheltered gardens. It is ideal for gardeners wanting reliable colour contrast with minimal maintenance. Tradescantia blossfeldiana adds texture, movement, and year round interest to hanging baskets, patios, borders, and interior spaces.

Suited to regions: Subtropical
Plant type: Indoor Plants
Height: 10 cm
Spread: 50 cm
Tolerances: Shade
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
Stromanthe triostar plant.

Stromanthe Triostar (Stromanthe Plant)

Stromanthe Triostar is a popular indoor plant owing to its lush and colourful foliage. It features elegant, dark green, pink, and cream-coloured...

From$32.33
Spathiphyllum 'Domino' variegated peace Lily with elegant white flowers.

Spathiphyllum 'Domino' (Peace Lily)

Spathiphyllum 'Domino', commonly known as the Variegated Peace Lily, is a stunning indoor plant admired for its lush green leaves marbled with creamy...

From$25.58
Chlorophytum comosum variegatum plants growing in pots on a shelf.

Chlorophytum comosum variegatum (Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum comosum Variegatum, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and variegated foliage. It...

From$19.58
Sansevieria 'Black Coral' plants growing in pots.

Sansevieria Black Coral

Sansevieria Black Coral is a variety of the commonly known, Variegated Snake Plant or Mother in Law’s Tongue, and is a very popular indoor plant. It...

From$37.73
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Sansevieria Hahnii (Bird's Nest Snake Plant)

Sansevieria Hahnii, commonly known as the Dwarf Snake Plant or Serpent Plant, is a very popular indoor plant. It features upright and fleshy leaves...

From$37.73
Chlorophytum 'Golden Glow' plant.

Chlorophytum Golden Glow (Chlorophytum comosum Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum Golden Glow, commonly known as the Spider Plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush and bright foliage. It features...

From$21.53
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Indoor Plant Fertiliser Tablets (Fertilizer Tablets)

Indoor plants require feeding from the time you get them home as nurseries typically only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last 4-8 weeks after...

From$31.25
Moss pole for plants.

Moss Pole For Plants (Moss Pole For Plants)

These moss poles for plants are made from Coir Fibre (i.e., the husks of coconuts). They are an eco-friendly option to help plants grow healthier and...

From$6.53
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Chlorophytum Curly (Curly Spider Plant)

Chlorophytum Curly, commonly known as the Curly Spider Plant or Airplane plant, is a tender, herbaceous perennial grown for its lush, variegated, and...

From$21.53
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Indoor Plant Fertiliser (Indoor Plant Fertiliser)

All potted plants require indoor plant fertiliser. This is particularly important as many nurseries only put enough fertiliser in the pots to last...

From$12.50
A large Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant) in a garden with lush, green leaves.

Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese or Fruit Salad Plant, is a popular indoor tropical plant loved for its striking, holey leaves and...

From$29.63
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2.5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$32.50
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3.5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$42.50
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1.5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$23.75
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0.51 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$20.00
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10 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$5.00
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5 Litre Thermoformed Plant Pots

These lightweight pots are a cost-effective means for growing on plants. They feature a strong and broad rim, have been UV stabilised for NZ...

From$68.75
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Shadecloth - 70% Shade (Shade Cloth For Plants)

This shade cloth for plants, which is also used as plant windbreaks, reduces light levels and windspeeds by 70%. Therefore, 30% of the wind or light...

From$420.00
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Native Plant Fertiliser (Native Fertiliser)

Selecting the correct native plant fertiliser is essential as they often tend to be slow growing and so require a tailored nutrient plan to meet...

From$12.50
Leonotis leonurus shrub with masses of orange flowers.

Leonotis leonurus (Lions Tail Plant)

Leonotis leonurus, commonly known as the Lions Tail Plant, is a shrub grown for its interesting flowers and foliage. Its unusualness comes from...

From$26.93
Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant) bright red foliage.

Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)

Sedum rubrotinctum, commonly known as Jelly Bean Plant or Pork and Beans Plant, is a compact, low-growing succulent reaching 15–20 cm tall and...

From$20.93
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Prostanthera Eddington Blue (Mint Bush Plant)

Prostanthera Eddington Blue is an evergreen shrub grown for its foliage and flowers. It features small and glossy, green leaves which are highly...

From$26.93
Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' plants in a cottage garden featuring orange flowers and lush green foliage.

Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Border Ballet' is a variety of the commonly known Red Hot Poker, and is grown for its colourful flowers. Stems rise above the foliage...

From$20.18
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Aechmea fasciata (Urn Plant)

Aechmea fasciata is a colourful Bromeliad that features thick and leathery leaves that are striped with silver and dark green. They are borne as a...

From$43.13
A Spearmint plant with lush, green leaves.

Mint Plant

Mint Plant (Spearmint) is a popular herb grown for its fresh fragrant leaves and versatile use in cooking drinks and home remedies. Well suited to...

From$20.18
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PB¾ Planter Bags (Planting Bags)

The PB ¾ Planter Bags are 80 microns thick and ags hold 0.5 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$13.00
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Bergenia cordifolia (Pig Squeak Plant)

Bergenia cordifolia is a hardy evergreen perennial admired for its large glossy leaves and clusters of pink flowers in late winter and spring. This...

From$21.53
Kniphofia Dwarf Scarlet plant with red flowers.

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' (Hot Poker Plant)

Kniphofia 'Dwarf Scarlet' is a compact perennial known for its vibrant red flower spikes that rise above neat grassy foliage. This eye catching plant...

From$20.18
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Duranta Geisha Girl (Geisha Girl Plant)

Duranta Geisha Girl is a popular choice known for its evergreen shrub with fresh green leaves and deep, blue flowers. The flowers have a white centre...

From$28.28
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PB18 Planter Bags (Grow Plant Bags)

These PB18 planter bags are 125 microns thick and each bag holds 10 litres of potting mix. They are durable and won’t rip which makes them great for...

From$65.10
Tradescantia pallida

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Aechmea, Bergenia, Chlorophytum, Duranta, Kniphofia, Leonotis, Mint, Monstera, Prostanthera, Sansevieria, Sedum, Spathiphyllum Stromanthe and Tradescantia, or related Categories - Shadecloth & Windbreak, Indoor Plant Fertiliser, Native Plant Fertiliser, Moss Poles, Plant pots, Planter Bags, Indoor Plants, Perennials Evergreen Shrubs and Succulents.

Search tradescantia indoor plant

Why Choose a Tradescantia Indoor Plant?

Tradescantia indoor plants are renowned for their unique foliage patterns, ranging from deep purples to silvery greens and splashes of white or gold. Aside from being visually stunning, these plants are among the easiest houseplants to grow. Tradescantias tolerate a range of lighting conditions, thrive in average room temperatures, and don’t require fussy care. Whether you’re looking for a trailing plant for a bookshelf or an eye-catcher in a hanging basket, there’s a tradescantia to suit every style.

Popular Tradescantia Varieties for Indoors

Choosing the right tradescantia indoor plant depends on your preferred colour palette and leaf shape. Some favourites include:

How to Care for Tradescantia Indoors

Growing a tradescantia indoor plant is straightforward. Provide bright, indirect light to encourage vibrant colouring, though most will tolerate lower light conditions. Water when the top few centimetres of soil dry out but avoid letting the plant become soggy, as they dislike wet feet. Tradescantias appreciate occasional feeding during spring and summer and will thrive in standard indoor potting mix. Pinching back the growing tips can help create a fuller, bushier plant and prevent leggy growth.

Styling and Using Tradescantia in Your Home

Thanks to their attractive trailing stems, tradescantia indoor plants are perfect for hanging planters, high shelves, or as lush spillers in mixed containers. Some varieties, like Tradescantia blossfeldiana or Tradescantia zebrina, provide a colourful focal point, especially when paired with other textural foliage plants. Their resilience means they also do well in offices and bathrooms with moderate natural light, instantly bringing a fresh, lively look to interior spaces.

Tradescantia indoor plants tick every box for a low-maintenance, rewarding houseplant—perfect for beginners and plant collectors alike. Explore our favourite varieties to find the ideal fit for your home.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

From trusted favourites like Lomandra White Sands and Azara microphylla to fresh faces like Lagerstroemia 'Townhouse', Helleborus orientalis (Lenten Rose), and Chamaecyparis 'Boulevard' — we’ve got you covered.
–The Plant Company

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